Small Town Police Units Go High-Tech with Dash-Cams

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

PURCELL, Oklahoma -- Small town police officers face many of the same challenges as officers in big cities. Now, thanks to a state program, the small towns are getting some high-tech tools.

In-car cams are not necessarily standard, especially high-end digital cameras. But now, police units in Purcell and Lexington are cruising with dash-cams.

"Ten years ago we had two cameras. They weren't made specifically for use in a law enforcement vehicle, and they didn't last but about a year," said Purcell Police Chief Kevin Williams.

These days all of Purcell's units have in-car cams. Across the bridge in Lexington, their police chief has also recently installed cameras in all her units.

"For evidence purposes they're a very good asset to have," said Lexington Police Chief Deana Standridge.

The camera units are the older, used VHS models.

Normally, even the older model cameras would be beyond the budget of the Lexington police department. But there's a state surplus program that allows small departments to buy used OHP units for $10 apiece.

"I purchased $100 worth of cameras, and our department only needed seven. We only have seven units," Standridge said.

The Lexington Police Chief gave the rest to Purcell if Purcell police would install them in her cars. The Purcell Police Chief knew he had a good deal.

"The digital cameras nowadays are in the neighborhood of around $5,000, the cheaper ones about $3,000. We outfitted every patrol car we have for less than $200," Williams said.

Shortly after that, a chase and confrontation occurred. The video shows the suspect resisted the officer's commands before he was taken down. Big-town tools are making an impact in small-town Oklahoma.

Purcell police will also use some drug fund money to buy 10 more of the cameras. They will be used for parts.